Mahal na Likha Songs from the Philippines

Fiona De Vos

Introduction

This album—this music—is about love. Love for a partner, love for family and friends, love for one’s native land, divine love. Love that pulses softly within every being—so gentle and yet so powerful. Love that connects all, unites all, gives life to all. Pure, deep, unconditional Love.

Some of the songs in this album belong to a class of love songs known as the Kundiman. Kundiman stems from the phrase kung hindi man or “should it not be so.” As an art song, it has a special characteristic form, which generally starts in a minor key, lending it an air of melancholy, and then transmutes into a major key, expressing the other side of the coin, the joy of love and hope. One finds within the Kundiman both longing and bliss, both suffering and comfort, both heartache and love.

In the late 19th century, at a time when the Philippines was fighting for freedom from Spain’s colonial rule, when Filipino revolutionaries could not openly express what was burning in their hearts, the Kundiman served as a vehicle for expressing love for one’s motherland.

Mahal na Likha (Beloved Creation): Songs from the Philippines

Now, more than a century later, as we live in a world where national, cultural and other boundaries are falling away, may we all find and experience freedom from separation. May we, through a revolution of love, realize who we truly are. May Love be awakened in all beings. Boundless, all-encompassing, all-pervading Love.

Malinak La’y LabiMusic: Julian Velasco | Arrangement: Aries Caces | Text: Julian Velasco | Translation: Rhodora dela Peña and Fiona De Vos

Malinak la’y labiOras la’y mareenMapalpalna’y dagemKatekep to’y linaewSamit da’y kugip koBinangonan kon tampolLapu’d say limgas moSikan sika’y amamayoen

Lalo la bilayNo sika la’y nanengnengNapunas lan aminSo ermen ya akbibitenNo nanonotan koLa’y samit da’y ugalimAg ta ka nalingwananAngga’d kauyos na bilay

Deep is the nightThe hour, quietGentle is the windInfused with dewSweet is my dreamAt once, I aroseBecause of your purityI will hold you with utmost care

My lifeWhen it’s you I seeAll grief I bearIs wiped awayWhen I rememberThe sweetness of your waysI will never forget youUntil life ends

Iyo Kailan Pa ManMusic: Angel M. Peña | Text: Levi Celerio | Translation: Fiona De Vos

Sa alaala ko’y nagbabalikAng araw ng ating pag-ibigBuhay nati’y panaginipSa gilid ng munting batis

Ang mga labi mong sakdal tamisAy may pangakong hanggang langit:»Mamahalin kong lagi’y ikawSa ginhawa’t hapis«

Ngunit nagdaan ang arawSumpa mo’y nalimotNaghihintay sa kalungkutanAng puso ko, Irog

Nahan ang tanging pagmamahalBakit dagling nataposKailan ko muling makakamtanTunay mong pag-irog

Ang buhay kong namamanglawAy nais nang pumanawKung hindi ka kaulayawLangit ko’y walang tanglaw

Kung babalik ka, HirangAt ako’y lalapitanPusong iyo nang minsanAy iyo kailan pa man

It comes back to memoryThe days of our loveOur life was a dreamBy the small spring

Your lips that were so sweetHad a promise to the heavens:»You’re the one I will always loveIn comfort and in distress«

But the days passedYour vow has been forgottenMy heart is waitingIn sadness, my Love

Where is the special loveWhy did it end so soonWhen will I feelYour true love once more

My life in lonelinessWants to end nowIf you’re not here with meMy sky has no light

If you would only come back, my LoveAnd come close to meMy heart that was once yoursIs yours forever

Ang pagsintang dalisayAy di mamamatay

Pure loveWill never die

NahanMusic: Ernani J. Cuenco | Text: Levi Celerio | Translation: Fiona De Vos

Di ba sabi mo’y kay ganda ng lahatKulay rosas pa ang mga bulaklakTila sa akin ay ayaw kang magtapat’Yan ba ang sabi mong pag-ibig ay wagas

Ang iyong ngiti dati ay kay tamisPag ikaw at ako ay nagkakalapitNahan ang yakap mong dati ay mahigpitAt ang ligaya kong matamis mong halik

Didn’t you say everything was so beautifulAnd the flowers were the color of rosesIt seems you don’t want to tell me the truthIs that what you once said, that love is pure

Your smile used to be so sweetWhen you and I came close to each otherWhere is your embrace that used to be tightAnd my joy that was your sweet kiss

Jocelynang Baliwag ›Kundiman of the Revolution‹Music: Anonymous | Arrangement: Fiona De Vos | Text: Anonymous | Translation: Fiona De Vos

Pinopoong sinta niring kaluluwaNakakawangis mo’y mabangong sampagaDalisay sa linis, dakila sa gandaMatimyas na bukal ng madlang ligaya

Edeng maligayang kinaluluklukanNg galak at tuwang katamis-tamisanTala kang maningning na ang matunghaya’yMasamyong bulaklak agad sumisikal

Revered beloved of this soulYou resemble fragrant jasminesImmaculate in its purity, great in its beautyGenuine spring of all joy

Happy Eden that is the seat of honorOf joy and happiness of utmost sweetnessYou are a radiant star, whose gaze makesSweet-smelling flowers grow at once

KundimanMusic: Francisco Santiago | Text: Deogracias A. Rosario | Translation: Fiona De Vos

Ako’y anak ng dalitaAt tigib ng luhaAng naritong humihibikNa bigyan ng awaBuksan mo ang langitAt kusa mong pakingganAng aking ligaligSaka pagdaramdam

Ay kung hindi ka mahahabagSa lungkot kong dinaranasPuso’t diwang nabibihagSa libing masasadlakMagtanong ka kung di tunaySa kislap ng mga talaMagtanong ka rin sa ulapNg taglay kong dalita

Sa dilim ng gabingAking nilalamayTanging larawan moAng nagiging ilawKung ikaw ay mahimbingSa gitna ng dilimAy iyong ihulogPuso mo sa akin

Ang iyong ihulogBuhay, pag-asa, pag-asa

I’m a child of miseryAnd overflowing with tearsThe one pleading hereTo be given mercyOpen the heavensAnd listen intentlyTo my troublesAnd feelings

Oh, if you won’t feel any compassionFor the sadness I’m going throughCaptivated heart and soulWould fall into the graveAsk if it’s not trueAsk the twinkle of the starsAlso ask the cloudsOf the misery I have

In the darkness of the nightOn which I’m keeping vigilOnly your imageIs my lightIf you would fall in deep sleepIn the midst of the darknessOh, let your heartFall down to me

Let it fall to meLife, hope, hope

Dahil sa Isang BulaklakMusic: Leopoldo Silos | Text: Levi Celerio | Translation: Fiona De Vos

Dahil sa isang bulaklakSumilang ang pag-ibigBawa’t tibok ng kanyang pusoAy luha at paghihirapPuso’y sadyang nagtiisNagdusa sa pag-ibigDi magbabago kailanmanAng pagmamahal’Yan ang pag-ibigDahil sa isang bulaklak

Because of a flowerLove was bornEach beat of its heartIs a teardrop and sufferingThe heart consciously enduredSuffered in loveThis devotionWill never changeThat’s loveBecause of a flower

Ugoy ng DuyanMusic: Lucio San Pedro | Text: Levi Celerio | Translation: Fiona De Vos

Sana’y di nagmaliw ang dati kong arawNang munti pang bata sa piling ni NanayNais ko’y maulit ang awit ni Inang mahalAwit ng pag-ibig habang ako’y nasa duyan

Sa aking pagtulog na labis ang himbingAng bantay ko’y tala, ang tanod ko’y bituinSa piling ni Nanay, langit ang buhayPuso kong may dusa’y sabik sa ugoy ng duyan

Ibig kong matulog sa dating duyan ko, Inang

I wish the old days hadn’t endedWhen I was a small child, by Mom’s sideI wish I could hear my beloved mother’s song againHer song of love while I was in the cradle

In my very deep sleepThe stars guard and watch over meWith Mom, life was heavenMy suffering heart longs for the rocking of the cradle

I would love to sleep in my old cradle, Mom

Madaling-ArawMusic: Francisco Santiago | Arrangement: Armin Egger | Text: Jose Corazon de Jesus | Translation: Fiona De Vos

Irog ko’y dinggin ang tibok ng pusoSana’y damdamin hirap ng sumuyoManong itunghay ang matang mapungayNa siyang tanging ilaw ng buhay kong papanaw

Sa gitna ng kadimlan magmadaling-araw kaAt ako ay lawitan ng habag at pagsintaKung ako’y mamamatay sa lungkot nyaring buhayLumapit ka lang, lumapit ka lang, at mabubuhay

At kung magkagayon, MutyaMapalad na ang buhay koMagdaranas ako ng t’wa nang dahil sa iyoMadaling-araw ka, Sinta, liwanag ko’t tanglawHalina, irog ko, at mahalin mo ako

Mutya’y mapalad na ang buhay koNang dahilan sa ganda moLiwayway ng puso ko’t tanglawHalina, irog ko, at mahalin mo ako

Manungaw ka, Liyag, ilaw ko’t pangarapAt madaling-araw na!

My beloved, listen to the beating of my heartI wish you’d understand the hardship of courtingPlease raise your peaceful eyesWhich are the only light of my life that’s ending

In the middle of the darkness, dawn upon meAnd grant me compassion and loveIf I should die of this life’s sorrowCome to me, just come to me, and I would live again

And if that should happen, Beloved,My life would then be fortunateI would feel joy because of youYou are dawn, Beloved, my light and illuminationCome, my dearest, and love me

Beloved, my life would now be fortunateBecause of your beautyDawn and light of my heartCome, my dearest, and love me

Look out of the window, Darling, my light and dreamAs it is now dawn!

Mutya ng PasigMusic: Nicanor Abelardo | Text: Deogracias A. Rosario | Translation: Fiona De Vos

Kung gabing ang buwanSa langit ay nakadungawTila ginigising ng habagatSa kanyang pagtulog sa tubigAng isang larawang puti at busilakNa lugay ang buhok na animoy agosIto ang Mutya ng PasigIto ang Mutya ng Pasig

Sa kanyang pagsiklot sa maputing bulaKasabay ang awit, kasabay ang tula

»Dati akong paralumanSa kaharian ng pag-ibigAng pag-ibig ng mamatayNaglaho rin ang kaharianAng lakas ko ay nalipatSa puso’t dibdib ng lahatKung nais ninyong ako’y mabuhayPag-ibig ko’y inyong ibigay«

»Kung nais ninyong ako’y mabuhayPag-ibig ko’y muling ibigay«

When at night, the moonIn the sky is watchingSeemingly being awakened by the west windFrom its sleep in the waterAn image, white and immaculate,With hair hanging loose like flowing waterThis is the Pearl of the PasigThis is the Pearl of the Pasig

Tossing about in the white foamIn unison with the song, with the poem

»I was once a museIn the kingdom of loveWhen love diedThe kingdom also disappearedMy power movedTo the hearts and bosoms of everyoneIf you want me to liveGive my love«

»If you want me to liveGive my love again«

Kung Batid Mo LamangMusic: Restie Umali | Text: Levi Celerio | Translation: Fiona De Vos

Kung batid mo lamang, naaalala kaSa lahat ng araw habang nag-iisaSa pagmamahal ko ay di ka mangangambaAt magtitiwala ka sa pagsinta

Kung batid mo lamang, ang dusa kong taglaySa patak ng luha na di mo lang alamDi ko sasapitin ang magdanas ng lumbayAt maaawa ka kung batid mo lamang

If only you knew, you are in my thoughtsOn all days, when I’m aloneIn my love, you would have nothing to fearAnd you would have faith in my devotion

If only you knew my sufferingIn the drops of tears, of which you are unawareI would not be experiencing this sadnessAnd you would have pity, if only you knew

PakiusapMusic: Francisco Santiago | Text: Jose Corazon de Jesus | Translation: Fiona De Vos

Natutulog ka manIrog kong matimtimanTunghayan mo man lamangAng nagpapaalam

Dahan-dahan, MutyaBuksan mo ang bintanaTanawin mo’t kahabaganAng sa ’yo’y nagmamahal

Kung sakali ma’t salatSa yama’t pangarapMay isang sumpang wagasAng aking paglingap

Pakiusap ko sa ’yoKaawaan mo akoKahit mamatayPag-ibig ko’y minsan lamang

Iniibig kitaMagpakailan pa man

You may be asleepMy prudent belovedBut if you could only lookAt the one who’s leaving

Gently, BelovedOpen the windowLook and have pityOn the one who loves you

Should I be lackingIn wealth and dreamsStill I sincerely vowTo care for you

I plead youTo have pity on meEven in deathMy love happens only once

I love youFor eternity

Bituing MarikitMusic: Nicanor Abelardo | Arrangement: Armin Egger | Text: Servando de los Angeles | Translation: Fiona De Vos

Bituing Marikit sa gabi ng buhayAng bawa’t kislap mo’y ligaya ang taglayYaring aking palad iyong patnubayanAt kahit na sinag ako’y bahaginan

Natanim sa puso ko yaong isang pag-ibigNa pinakasasamba sa loob ng dibdibSa iyong luningning laging nasasabikIkaw ang pangarap, Bituing Marikit

Lapitan mo ako, hali na, BituinAting pag-isahin ang mga damdaminAng sabik kong diwa’y huwag mong uhawinSa batis ng iyong wagas na paggiliw

Beautiful Star in the evening of lifeYour every twinkle carries joyGuide this destiny of mineAnd share with me even just a ray of light

This one love has been planted in my heartThat I most adore deep within my breastI always long for your shining lightYou are my dream, Beautiful Star

Come close to me, come, my StarLet’s make our feelings oneDon’t make my longing soul thirstyIn the spring of your pure love

AcknowledgementsThank you…

Michael Hecht for being a great producer, coach, advisor, composer and more, and for everything you’ve taught me, not just musically but also in matters of business and life in general.

Lisa Punz for the masterful video production, and for your many valuable contributions, your artistic and business talents, knowledge and ideas.

Aries Caces for the wonderful piano playing, arranging and coaching.

Armin Egger for the beautiful guitar playing and arranging.

Anna Maurer for being a wonderful stylist, and for helping me reconnect with my locker unkompliziert (easy-going uncomplicated) and feminine side.

Chiara Martyka for your beautiful art and insights.

Martin Lifka for the great photography.

Katharina Henríquez for the lovely violin playing.

Werner Lager for the excellent mastering.

Jakob Flosdorff, Pavol Kutik, Fatima Gerendas Obiols and Patrick Walter for the great work.

Everyone mentioned above for everything that you have contributed to this project, for your dedication to your craft, attention to detail, eye for aesthetics, energy, sense of humor, and kindness, which have made this project a joy to do and a rich learning experience.

Rhodora dela Peña for helping me with the Pangasinan translation and pronunciation.

Gina, Janson, Kim, Okāsan (Yasuko), Giordano, Chika, Sandra, Kuya Ome, Ate Shirley, Melly, and all my beloved friends for your love, friendship and support.

Riki for the love, friendship and encouragement, for the sheet music, and for giving me wonderful opportunities to sing.

Kuya JR, Elvira, Raphael, Romano, Mary, Iah, Alfred, Ma, Da, Kuya Bay, Nin Jona, Jen, Mommy Dors, Daddy Rit, Puccini, Lola, Tito Tom, Tita Roce, Tito Val, Tita Carina, and the rest of my greater family for your love and support, and for being there no matter what.

Jaan for the love and inspiration, for everything you’ve taught me, and for the deep soul connection.

Fre for your love, support and understanding, for being a great husband, my best friend, my rock and anchor, for being with me through thick and thin, and for everything.

Vocals and Arrangements: Fiona De VosPiano and Arrangements: Aries CacesGuitar and Arrangements: Armin EggerViolin: Katharina Henríquez

Produced by: Fiona De Vos and Michael HechtRecorded, Mixed and Mastered by: Michael Hecht, Werner LagerProduction Assistants: Jakob Flosdorff, Pavol KutikEditing: Fatima Gerendas Obiols, Patrick WalterGraphic Design and Artwork: Chiara I. MartykaPhotography: Martin LifkaStyling and Make-up Artist: Anna MaurerVideo Production: Lisa Punz/Frog Queen Media

℗+© 2018 Fiona De Vos. All Rights Reserved.

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